Who is the best tradesperson to seal open gaps between two homes?

Posted by: Ulla from Toronto

10/4/2014 at 3:45:23 PM

Who is the best tradesperson to seal open gaps (small holes or crevices or unsealed floor joists) between two homes to stop and prevent air/*cigarette smoke moving from one basement to another basement in semi-detached house? Carpenter?

In my home, we use the basement as living and sleeping space. The neighbouring home has recently had a basement tenant move in - this tenant is a heavy smoker. For the first time in ten years, we can occasionally smell some cigarette smoke in our basement. The tenant often smokes outside, but with Winter approaching, indoor smoking is likely to increase.

It is not clear where/how*exactly* the smoke is coming from into our basement (other than knowing it MUST be from next door as we are non-smokers). At home while resting, working, socializing or sleeping, we don't want to smell cigarette smoke, have the odour on our clothing, furniture, hair etc., nor most importantly assume the health risks of breathing secondhand smoke.

I understand that it can be tricky to completely seal off or block up a shared wall. However, it is possible. I realize there's no legal REQUIREMENT to share air with one's semi-detached neighbours, and since it IS possible, with fastidious & attentive-to-detail effort, to cover every square centimetre of wall between two houses with either concrete cement, caulking, foam, steel or other non-porous material, who can I seek out to do this renovation/repair? It is my understanding that smoke will not get beyond a concrete fire barrier.

I am willing and must ensure that I do everything to protect my family's health. One of my children has a chronic health issue that it is unconscionable to add to with this discretionary exposure to secondhand smoke.

I agree with Mitchell, a new wall, spray foam, vapor barior should fix your issue. At the same time that wall is supposed to be fire rated. This means that there shouldn't be any smoke or fire able to travel through the wall.

A good place to start would probably be to call your local city building department and book an appointment with an inspector or engineer. If your house isn't that old your builder may be responsible to make repairs if it is. Your neighbour may be obligated to share the cost with you.

As posted by the others, spray foam is the answer to solve this problem. Using a smoke stick/pencil will show the movement of air between the two homes. This will ensure the spray foam is applied to the correct area to solve your issue.

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